And Paul said, I would to God, that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Except these chains. That is, I heartily wish all men in the same condition as myself, not only to be prisoners as I am, but to be Christians, as I am. (Witham)
He, the man that glories in his bonds, that puts them forth as a golden chain, deprecates them for these men: for they were as yet too weak in their minds, and it was rather in condescension that he so spoke. For what could be better than those bonds which always in his Epistles he prefers (to all things else), saying, Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:1 and again, On this account I am bound with this chain Acts 28:20, but the word of God is not bound; and, Even unto bonds, as an evil-doer. 2 Timothy 2:9 The punishment was twofold. For if indeed he had been so bound, as with a view to his good, the thing would have carried with it some consolation: but now (he is bound) both as an evil-doer, and as with a view to very ill consequences; yet for none of these things cared he.
Such is a soul winged with heavenly love. For if those who cherish the foul (earthly passion which men call) love, think nothing either glorious of precious, but those things alone which tend to gratify...
